Wearable devices using shape memory polymers

ABSTRACT

A wearable device including a body having one or more embedded electronic components, the body further including a thermoset material having a polymeric backbone with at least one urethane linkage and a glass transition temperature. At a first temperature that is lower than the glass transition temperature, the body has an original shape. When the body is heated to a second temperature that is higher than the glass transition temperature, the body is deformable from the original shape to a first shape and when the body is cooled to a third temperature that is lower than the glass transition temperature, the first shape is maintained. The body is further configured to transition from the first shape to the original shape when the body is heated from the third temperature to a fourth temperature that is higher than the glass transition temperature.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to wearable devices made of or partially made ofthermoset shape memory polymers for improved comfort, stability andoverall wearability.

Commercially available wearable devices are typically offered instandard sizes to fit a majority of consumers rather than eachindividual consumer. Since such wearable devices are not customized tofit each person's unique anatomical features, they are not suitable forall day comfort. While custom-fitted products are generally consideredto achieve the best fit, existing methods of customization can becostly, time consuming, and/or complicated. Some customizationstrategies rely on using thermoplastics, such as polycaprolactone, intheir softened state, which leads to cosmetic issues and temperaturestability concerns. Other customization solutions rely on UV-curablesilicones with a catalyst and a curative embedded in a preform.Unfortunately, these materials tend to cure even in the absence of UV.Also, these solutions provide a single non-reversible impression. If theuser makes a mistake during the curing process, a new product isrequired. Furthermore, these customizable products are designed for asingle end user. Sharing between multiple users is not possible.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for inexpensive, fast, easy, andreversible systems and methods for customizing wearable devices thatallow for repeated customization in case an initial molding is notsuccessful or two or more different users desire to share a singlecustomizable device.

SUMMARY

All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in anytechnically possible way.

In one aspect, a wearable device includes a body having one or moreembedded electronic components and a thermoset material having apolymeric backbone including at least one urethane linkage and a glasstransition temperature. At a first temperature that is lower than theglass transition temperature, the body has an original shape. When thebody is heated to a second temperature that is higher than the glasstransition temperature, the body is deformable from the original shapeto a first shape and when the body is cooled to a third temperature thatis lower than the glass transition temperature, the first shape ismaintained. The body is configured to transition from the first shape tothe original shape when the body is heated from the third temperature toa fourth temperature that is higher than the glass transitiontemperature.

In one example, the thermoset material includes a reaction product of apolyol component, an isocyanate component, a crosslinker, and a catalystto polymerize the isocyanate and polyol components. In one example, thepolyol component includes a multifunctional polyether and a polyetherdiol or a multifunctional polyester and a polyether diol. In oneexample, the thermoset material is potted in a soft coating to improvecomfort.

In one example, the thermoset material further includes a conductive orphotothermal additive and a resistive heating element configured to heatthe body to the second and fourth temperatures that are above the glasstransition temperature. In one example, the one or more embeddedelectronic components include an electrode sensor to pick up biosignals.In one example, the body is heated with a heating pad, light, or water.

In another aspect, a wearable device includes a body having one or moreembedded electronic components and a thermoset material containing areaction product of a polyol component and an isocyanate component. Thethermoset material also having a glass transition temperature. At afirst temperature that is lower than the glass transition temperature,the body has an original shape. When the body is heated to a secondtemperature that is higher than the glass transition temperature, thebody is deformable from the original shape to a first shape and when thebody is cooled to a third temperature that is lower than the glasstransition temperature, the first shape is maintained. The body isconfigured to transition from the first shape to the original shape whenthe body is heated from the third temperature to a fourth temperaturethat is higher than the glass transition temperature. In one example,the polyol component consists of a multifunctional polyether.

In another aspect, the polyol component includes a multifunctionalpolyether and a polyether diol. In one example, the polyol componentincludes 50% of the polyether diol and 50% of the multifunctionalpolyether.

In another aspect, the polyol component includes more of themultifunctional polyether than the polyether diol.

In another aspect, the polyol component includes a multifunctionalpolyester and a polyether diol. In one example, the polyol componentincludes more of the multifunctional polyester than the polyether diol.

In one example, the thermoset material is potted in a soft coating toimprove comfort. In one example, the one or more embedded electroniccomponents include an electrode sensor to pick up biosignals. In oneexample, the wearable device further includes a resistive heatingelement configured to heat the body to the second and fourthtemperatures that are above the glass transition temperature.

In another aspect, an earpiece includes an acoustic driver fortransducing received audio signals to acoustic energy and a bodyincluding a thermoset material containing a reaction product of a polyolcomponent and an isocyanate component. The thermoset material alsohaving a glass transition temperature, wherein at a first temperaturethat is lower than the glass transition temperature, the body has anoriginal shape. When the body is heated to a second temperature that ishigher than the glass transition temperature, the body is deformablefrom the original shape to a first shape and when the body is cooled toa third temperature that is lower than the glass transition temperature,the first shape is maintained. The body is configured to transition fromthe first shape to the original shape when the body is heated from thethird temperature to a fourth temperature that is higher than the glasstransition temperature.

In one example, the earpiece is an in-ear earpiece configured to fitinside a user's ear. In another example, the earpiece is anaround-the-ear earpiece configured to be positioned on a user's ear.

Providing wearable devices with thermoset shape memory polymers isadvantageous over providing heat softening thermoplastic polymersbecause, for example, thermoset shape memory polymers do not melt andcan reversibly transition between customized shapes and their originalmolded forms. Providing wearable devices with shape memory polymers isadvantageous over shape memory alloys because, for example, shape memorypolymers are less dense than shape memory alloys and allow for a muchlarger extent of deformation with a smaller amount of required stressfor deformation. Shape memory polymers are processed under low-pressureconditions whereas shape memory alloys are processed under high-pressureconditions. Further, shape memory polymers are less expensive than shapememory alloys.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an elevational view of an example customizable wearabledevice, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows the example customizable wearable device of FIG. 1Acoupled with an earpiece and positioned in an ear, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 1C shows an elevational top perspective view and an elevationalbottom perspective view of the example customizable wearable device ofFIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of a storage modulus curve for anexample shape memory polymer, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method of reversibly customizing awearable device, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of another example wearable deviceworn by a user, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of the example wearable device ofFIG. 4 in isolation, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of another example wearabledevice, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another example wearable device wornby a user, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an elevational perspective view of the example wearabledevice of FIG. 7 in isolation, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes various wearable devices usingthermoset shape memory polymers to improve the wearability of wearabledevices.

This disclosure is based, at least in part, on the realization thatconsumers are wearing on-body products for longer periods of time and,to provide improved overall customer satisfaction, it is desirable toimprove upon elements associated with comfort (e.g., stability,form-fitting aspects, and pressure exerted on the skin/body). Variousattempts have been made to improve the wearability of wearable devices.For example, conventional customization solutions involve capturinganatomical geometry (e.g., through impressions or scanning) followed bypart fabrication (e.g., CAD modelling, printing molds, injecting softmaterial into the mold, curing, demolding, and finishing). However, suchconventional solutions are not practical for most consumers due to thenumber of steps required. Although current in-home customizationsolutions have been made to decrease the number of steps required, forexample, by involving heat softening thermoplastics and UV-curablesilicones, such attempts suffer from material-related limitations thathinder their wide deployment and acceptance.

The embodiments and implementations disclosed or otherwise envisionedherein can be utilized with any suitable wearable device made of orpartially made of a thermoset shape memory polymer, such as the onesdescribed herein. Examples of suitable wearable devices includeStayHear+® eartips from Bose Corporation of Framingham, Mass., earbuds,over-the-ear headphones, noise-blocking earplugs, hearing aids, andaugmented reality glasses. However, the disclosure is not limited tothese enumerated devices, and thus the disclosure and embodimentsdisclosed herein can encompass any wearable device.

Referring to FIG. 1A, an example customizable ear tip 100 for anearphone is shown. The customizable ear tip 100 includes tip body 102,umbrella 103, and wing 104. Umbrella 103 is at the distal end of ear tip100 (e.g., the left-most end in FIG. 1A) and configured to surround anozzle of an earpiece and fit within a user's ear (e.g., at the entranceto the ear canal sealing the ear without entering the canal). Ear tip100 typically includes an internal hollow passage extending from thedistal end through tip body 102. The internal hollow passagecommunicates with a nozzle of an earpiece. The earpiece is typicallypositioned outside the ear to deliver sound to the ear canal of the ear.As shown in FIG. 1B, customizable ear tip 100 can be removably coupledto earpiece 105, which may include audio electronics acousticallycoupled to the internal hollow passage extending within tip body 102 andumbrella 103. Earpiece 105 can include earphones, earplugs, earbuds, eartubes, ear speakers, earcups, and the like, and the sound-emittingdevice can be housed in any suitable housing (e.g., an earbud, anearcup, or other housing). In example embodiments, earpiece 105 alsoincludes one or more sensors such as a heart rate sensor. While only asingle stand-alone customizable ear tip 100 is shown in FIG. 1A,customizable ear tip 100 may be one of a pair of customizable ear tips,one for each ear. Customizable ear tip 100 may be connected to anothercustomizable ear tip, for example, by a headband, by leads that conductaudio signals, or wirelessly without a band, wire, or cord between thedevices. As further described herein, since ear tip 100 is made with asuitable thermoset shape memory polymer that has already been moldedinto its final form, the original shapes of tip body 102, umbrella 103,and/or wing 104 can be reversibly manipulated to form shapes that havegreater conformity with a user's ear when heated.

The original shapes of tip body 102, umbrella 103, and wing 104 ofcustomizable ear tip 100 can be obtained during an initial processingstep involving in mold curing/crosslinking. The initial processing stepinvolves a reaction between an isocyanate component and a polyolcomponent forming repeating urethane groups in the presence of a chainextender, catalyst, and/or other suitable additives. The crosslinkingprocess that occurs during curing forms a molecule with an infinitemolecular weight, resulting in a material with a heightened glasstransition temperature. Covalent bonds hold polymer chains together soheat cannot reflow the material. The reaction product has a polymericbackbone having urethane linkages and a particular glass transitiontemperature (T_(g)). In example embodiments, customizable ear tip 100can have different glass transition temperatures (T_(g)) for each of tipbody 102, umbrella 103, and wing 104. As shown in FIG. 1C, wing 104 mayhave a high T_(g1) for stability, umbrella 103 may have a low T_(g2) forin-ear comfort, and tip body 102 may have a high T_(g3) for retention ofan earpiece 105.

In an exemplary wearable device, at room temperature the original shapesof tip body 102, umbrella 103, and wing 104 are rigid or glassy. Atsuitable temperatures above T_(g1), T_(g2), and T_(g3), tip body 102,umbrella 103, and wing 104 are more elastic and their geometries can bemanipulated. Depending on the specific application, different glasstransition temperatures may be appropriate. The polyol or a combinationof polyols can be used together to achieve different glass transitiontemperatures. Glass transition temperatures T_(g1), T_(g2), and T_(g3)are tunable and can be positioned anywhere from room temperature(approximately 20-25 degrees Celsius or 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit) to 65degrees Celsius or 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Customizable ear tip 100 canbe made of a thermoset shape memory polymer having the same glasstransition temperature as a single unit or as separate components.Alternatively, customizable ear tip 100 can be made of two or moredifferent thermoset shape memory polymers as described herein having twoor more different glass transition temperatures (e.g., T_(g1), T_(g2),and T_(g3)).

The polyol component generally provides soft segments of the thermosetshape memory polymer. The polyol component includes one or more polyolsthat can contain ester and/or ether functionalities along with hydroxylgroups. Any suitable polyols can be used as long as there iscrosslinking during the curing process. Polyester polyols include esterand hydroxylic groups. Polyether polyols include ether and hydroxylicgroups. The characteristics of the reaction product depend on themolecular weights of the individual materials combined as well as thechain lengths of the materials and the degree of crosslinking. Shorterchain lengths can provide more rigid reaction products while longerchain lengths can provide more flexible reaction products. In examplewearable devices, the polyol component includes at least one of thefollowing: (i) a polyether diol, (ii) a multifunctional polyether, and(iii) a multifunctional polyester. The term “multifunctional” as usedherein means having more than two functional hydroxyl (OH) groups. Asuitable polyether diol is a 425-molecular-weight polypropylene glycol(ARCOL® PPG-425 available from Covestro of Leverkusen, Germany). Asuitable multifunctional polyether is a 700-molecular-weightglycerin-initiated polyether triol (CARPOL® GP-700 available fromCarpenter Co. of Richmond, Va.). A suitable multifunctional polyester isa 540-molecular-weight polyester triol (CAPA™ 3050 available fromPerstorp of Malmö, Sweden).

The isocyanate component generally provides the hard segments of thethermoset shape memory polymer. In example wearable devices, theisocyanate component is an aromatic polymeric diphenylmethane4,4′-diisocyanate (MDI). In other example wearable devices, theisocyanate component is tolulene diisocyanate (TDI). When the isocyanatecomponent is combined with the polyol component in liquid form, onecyanate group from the isocyanate component (—NCO group) reacts with onehydroxyl group (OH group) from the polyol component. Accordingly, it canbe advantageous to have a NCO/OH ratio of 1. Providing the same numberof —NCO groups as the number of OH groups helps minimize the amount ofresidual —NCO groups.

Any suitable additives can be used to control the reaction of theisocyanate component and the polyol component. Additives includecatalysts, fillers, defoamers, chain extenders, crosslinkers, and others(e.g., metals, carbon fibers, and nanomaterials for increased thermalconductivity). In example wearable devices, a suitable catalyst can beused to polymerize the mixed isocyanate and polyol components, forexample, 1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (or DABCO). The reaction productcan be cured at room temperature and with heat (e.g., approximately 130degrees Celsius or 266 degrees Fahrenheit). Depending on the catalyst,the curing process can occur quickly or more slowly. It should beappreciated that while any suitable catalyst is contemplated, generally,a slower catalyst is more appropriate for a manual molding processwhereas a faster catalyst is more appropriate for an automated moldingprocess. The thermoset shape memory polymers described herein requirecrosslinking components. In example embodiments, the crosslinkingcomponent is included as part of the multifunctional polyether andpolyesters described herein or any other suitable component. Inalternate embodiments including other polyol components that do not havethe crosslinking component, other suitable crosslinking sources can beincluded, for example, multifunctional amines, thiols, phenolics, andcarboxylic acids.

To manipulate the shape of customizable ear tip 100, tip body 102,umbrella 103, and wing 104 can be heated to a suitable temperature thatis higher than its one or more glass transition temperatures (e.g.,T_(g1), T_(g2), and T_(g3)). The glass transition temperatures can beset to temperatures that are close to body temperature, for example, inthe range of 38-48 degrees Celsius or 100.4-118.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Toachieve these glass transition temperatures, a suitable isocyanatecomponent (e.g., MDI) can be mixed with a polyol component havingapproximately 0-70% diol and approximately 30-100% multifunctionalcomponent. Alternatively, MDI can be mixed with a polyol componenthaving approximately 50-70% diol and approximately 30-50%multifunctional component. Additionally, to achieve these glasstransition temperatures, a suitable isocyanate component (e.g., MDI) canbe mixed with one or more polyol components. In some embodiments, 100%of the polyol component to be mixed with the isocyanate component is asuitable diol component. In some embodiments, 100% of the polyolcomponent is a suitable multifunctional component. In some embodiments,50% of the polyol component is a suitable diol component and 50% of thepolyol component is a suitable multifunctional component. Any suitablemixture is contemplated. For example, the polyol component can have moreof the diol component than the multifunctional component (e.g., >50%)and vice versa. In one example, 70% of the polyol component is asuitable diol component and 30% of the polyol component is a suitablemultifunctional component.

The viscoelastic properties of the reaction product can be characterizedfurther using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). As shown in FIG. 2, ahypothetical storage modulus curve demonstrates the storage modulus (E′)of the suitable thermoset shape memory polymers discussed herein as afunction of temperature. At low temperatures, the polymers describedherein have a glassy modulus (or state) that corresponds to therelatively flat region on the left of FIG. 2 (e.g., E′>200 MPa). Theglass transition of the suitable thermoset shape memory polymers beginswhere the curve begins to slope downward. As temperature rises past thestart of the glass transition, the polymers described herein exhibit asharp decrease in modulus that corresponds to the steep and narrow curveextending between the point defining the beginning of the glasstransition region and the point defining the end of the glass transitionregion. In other words, the polymers described herein transition from aglassy state to a rubbery state quickly (e.g., over <30 degreesCelsius). As temperature rises past the end of the glass transitionregion, the polymers described herein exhibit a rubbery modulus (orstate) that corresponds to the relatively flat region on the right ofFIG. 2 (e.g., E′<30 MPa).

Any heating element can be used to heat customizable ear tip 100. Forexample, an external source of heat or an internal source of heat can beprovided. Suitable external sources of heat include a heating pad, alight, or warm water. Referring to FIG. 3, after heating customizableear tip 100 to a temperature that is above the glass transitiontemperature (i.e., T>T_(g) where T_(g) is within the glass transitionregion discussed above) in step 210, ear tip 100 is conformable (i.e.,more elastic). In step 220 a user can position customizable ear tip 100such that umbrella 103 is within the concha portion and the opening ofthe ear canal of the ear and wing 104 is under the ear ridge (see FIG.1B). With customizable ear tip 100 in position, the user can coolcustomizable ear tip 100 to a temperature that is below the glasstransition temperature (i.e., T<T_(g)) in step 230. As the device coolsin step 230, customizable ear tip 100 become more rigid or glassy (i.e.,less elastic). When cooled, customizable ear tip 100 retains any shapeadaptations made while the customizable ear tip was positioned in theuser's ear. For example, if wing 104 was bent while in place under theear ridge, such bend would be maintained after customizable ear tip 100is cooled to a temperature that is below the glass transitiontemperature. Below the glass transition temperature, customizable eartip 100 is in the glassy state and rigid again. To improve comfort,umbrella 103 and wing 104 can be potted (i.e., encapsulated) in a softcoating (e.g., a silicone or polyurethane).

To recover its original shape, customizable ear tip 100 can besubsequently heated to an appropriate temperature that is above theglass transition temperature. Thus, customizable ear tip 100 can bereversibly customized without melting. An additional advantage is thatmultiple users can share the same wearable device. For example, after afirst user customizes a wearable device (e.g., customizable ear tip100), a second user can customize the same wearable device. To do so,the second user can heat the wearable device such that the wearabledevice recovers its original shape thereby removing the first user'scustomized configuration. With the wearable device again in its originalshape, the second user can create the second user's customizedconfiguration as described herein.

Referring to FIG. 4, a person wearing another example wearable device300 is shown. FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of wearable device300 shown in FIG. 4. Wearable device 300 is made of the thermoset shapememory polymers discussed herein and any heating element can be used toheat one or more portions of wearable device 300 as discussed above. Theglass transition temperature of wearable device 300 can be set totemperatures that are farther from body temperature, for example, in therange of 50-60 degrees Celsius (or 122-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Toachieve this glass transition temperature, a suitable isocyanatecomponent (e.g., MDI) can be mixed with a polyol component havingapproximately 0-30% diol and approximately 70-100% functional component.In example embodiments, to achieve this glass transition temperature, asuitable isocyanate component can be mixed with one or more polyolcomponents. For example, 100% of the polyol component to be mixed withthe isocyanate component can be a suitable diol component. In someembodiments, 100% of the polyol component is a suitable multifunctionalcomponent. In some embodiments, 50% of the polyol component is asuitable diol component and 50% of the polyol component is a suitablemultifunctional component. Any suitable mixture is contemplated. Forexample, the polyol component can have more of the multifunctionalcomponent than the diol component and vice versa. In one example, 70% ofthe polyol component is a suitable multifunctional component and 30% ofthe polyol component is a suitable diol component.

In example embodiments, wearable device 300 includes embedded electroniccomponents 302 which can include global positioning sensor (GPS)systems, orientation sensor systems, such as, 3-axis, 6-axis, or 9-axisspatial sensors and can include one or more of a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, a magnetometer to provide readings relative to axes ofmotion of the device and to characterize the orientation anddisplacement of the device. Other sensors may be utilized either aloneor additionally, including but not limited to a pressure sensor (e.g.Hall effect sensor) and other types of sensors, such as a sensormeasuring electromagnetic waveforms on a predefined range ofwavelengths, a capacitive sensor, a camera, a photocell, a visible lightsensor, a near-infrared sensor, a radio wave sensor, and/or one or moreother types of sensors. Wearable device 300 can also include a userinterface configured to provide information to a user and/or receiveinformation from a user. The user interface can be configured to provideinformation to the wearer and/or receive information from the wearer viaa touch sensitive sensor. For example, the information can be heard.Accordingly, the user interface may be a speaker to provide sounds orwords to the user. Many different types of sensors could be utilized.According to one possible embodiment, the sensor or sensors providecomplementary information about the position of the device with respectto a user's body part, a fixed point, and/or one or more otherpositions.

In example embodiments, the entire device is customizable. In alternateembodiments, only certain portions are customizable. In one example,wearable device 300 can be submerged in warm water (e.g., 50 degreesCelsius or 122 degrees Fahrenheit) to heat the thermoset shape memorypolymer above its glass transition temperature. In another example,internal resistive heating elements can be actively controlled withbattery 303 included in wearable device 300. In another example,internal resistive heating elements can be heated when exposed to astimulus such as light or current. In embodiments including internalresistive heating elements, one or more conductive additives (orphotothermal additives) can be included during the initial processingstep involving the reaction between the isocyanate component and thepolyol component to facilitate thermal conductivity through thematerial. Additives that are suitable to facilitate thermal conductivityinclude but are not limited to suitable carbon-containing species, suchas graphene, carbon black, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, etc.

As wearable device 300 is heated to a temperature that is above itsglass transition temperature (i.e., T>T_(g)), wearable device becomesless rigid and more elastic. Once wearable device 300 is conformable inthe heated state, a wearer can position the device 300 on his or herface so that the device can adopt a new configuration having greaterconformity to the wearer's facial features. For example, temple tips304A and 304B can adopt configurations to match the skin surfaces aboveand behind the user's ears for improved comfort and stability. Withwearable device 300 in position in the new configuration, the user canallow the device to cool to a temperature that is below the glasstransition temperature (i.e., T<T_(g)) so the device transitions to theglassy state maintaining the new custom configuration. If a new userdesires to customize wearable device 300, he or she can heat the deviceabove its glass transition temperature and the temple tips 304A and 304Balong with any other manipulated portions will transition back to theiroriginal shapes. Once in their original shapes, the new user can modifywearable device 300 to adapt to his or her anatomical features and thencool wearable device 300 to transition to the glassy state to lock inthe newly modified wearable device 300.

In example embodiments including embedded conductive elements, thesesame conductive elements can serve as various electrode sensors to pickup biosignals. Suitable electrode sensors include physiologicalelectrodes for measuring various biopotentials for a variety ofapplications including electrocardiography (ECG), electromyogram (EMG),electrooculogram (EOG), and electroencephalogram (EEG). Thephysiological electrodes make use of the natural pressure provided bythe customized wearable device to hold the sensors securely in place atpositions on the body. In example embodiments, these positions areinside the ear, on the temples, and/or on the glabella (i.e., theportion of the body between the eyebrows). The electrode sensors includea first surface in contact with the skin and a second surface connectedto other components for amplifying, filtering, processing, recording,and/or transmitting acquired signals. In example embodiments, theelectrodes and their electrical connections are integrated into thecustomizable wearable device.

Referring to FIG. 6, an example acoustic device 400 that can bereversibly customized as described herein is shown. In this example, theSoundWear™ speaker from Bose Corporation of Framingham, Mass. is used.Acoustic device 400 includes a generally “U”-shaped neck loop configuredto be worn around the neck of a person. The neck loop of acoustic device400 includes a curved central portion 402 that is configured to sit atthe nape of the neck, and right and left legs 404 and 406, respectively,that descend from central portion 402 and are configured to drape overthe upper torso on either side of the neck, generally over or near theclavicle. Legs 404 and 406 can be configured with acoustic drivers andsound outlet openings to produce sound directed upward toward the earsof the person wearing acoustic device 400. In its standardconfiguration, acoustic device 400 includes steel wire encased inmedical-grade silicone and the neck loop may be expanded, straightened,or re-shaped in a manner more suitable to the shape and size of theuser. The standard configuration of the neck loop may be covered in asoft fabric material for improved comfort. In the example of FIG. 6, the“U”-shaped neck loop is made of or at least partially made of thethermoset shape memory polymers described herein and does not requirethe steel wire encased in silicone or the soft fabric material. Inexample embodiments, at least parts of acoustic device 400 that contactthe body (e.g., the nape of the neck, the collar bone, the spine, andthe trapezius muscles) can be made of or at least partially made of thethermoset shape memory polymers described herein so that at least theseportions can be reversibly customized to match a user's anatomy. In thisway, at least these parts that contact the body can be reversiblycustomized to the particular shape of the user's body to provide a morecomfortable and stable fit. In example embodiments, the entire“U”-shaped neck loop is made of the thermoset shape memory polymers asdescribed herein.

Another example wearable acoustic device 500 that can be reversiblycustomized is depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. In FIG. 7, around-the-earspeaker 500 is shown being worn by a person. Around-the-ear speaker 500is shown in FIG. 8 in isolation. The following should be viewed in lightof FIGS. 7 and 8. Speaker 500 includes hook-shaped curved body 502 andspeaker 504. Hook-shaped curved body 502 is shaped to surround rearparts of an ear of a user. First end 506 of hook-shaped curved body 502is connected to speaker 504 and second end 508 that is opposite firstend 506 includes protrusion 510. Hook-shaped curved body 502 alsoincludes first portion 512 and second portion 514 between first andsecond ends 506 and 508. First portion 512 is more arcuate and thinnerthan second portion 514. In this way, first portion 512 is shaped tofollow the natural curvature of the back of the ear and to preventspeaker 500 from inadvertently falling off. First portion 512 is thinnerthan second portion 514 in part because the space between the ear andthe head is smaller at the top of the ear than behind the ear. Speaker504, positioned near a temple of a wearer when worn, can include anacoustic driver for transducing received audio signals to acousticenergy and a sound outlet opening to produce sound directed downwardtoward the ear canal of the person. While hook-shaped curved body 502 ispositioned behind the ear, speaker 504 is positioned in front of the earsuch that a sound outlet opening has a direct (i.e., unobstructed) pathto the ear canal of the wearer. Hook-shaped curved body 502 can be madeof or at least partially made of the thermoset shape memory polymersdescribed herein. In example embodiments, at least parts of hook-shapedcurved body 502 that contact the body (e.g., first portion 512 and/orsecond portion 514) can be made of or at least partially made of thethermoset shape memory polymers described herein so that at least theseparts can be reversibly customized to better match a user's auricularanatomy. In this way, at least these parts that contact the back of theear can be reversibly customized to the particular shape of the user'sbody to provide a more comfortable and stable fit. In exampleembodiments, the entire hook-shaped curved body is made of the thermosetshape memory polymers as described herein.

The wearable devices described herein can also be made of othermaterials to provide improved comfort, stability and overallwearability. Although any suitable soft material is contemplated, onesuitable material is compounded polynorbornene (Norsorex® materialavailable from D-NOV GmbH of Vienna, Austria, product numberM040822-15). Polynorbornene is a hydrocarbon-based material containingcarbon-carbon double bonds in the polymer backbone (i.e., unsaturation).The “unsaturation” refers to the presence of at least one carbon-carbondouble bond or carbon-carbon triple bond. Polynorbornene exhibits highperformance in acoustic, passive attenuation, and comfort metrics and aglass transition temperature around 37-38 degrees Celsius, whichprovides good damping properties and properties for reversiblecustomization. Accordingly, implementations may include a reversiblycustomizable wearable device including a body having one or moreembedded electronic components and an elastic material having a glasstransition temperature and a polymeric backbone where a portion of thepolymeric backbone is unsaturated (e.g., polynorbornene or apolynorbornene-based material including any suitable additives to alterthe properties of the material). At a first temperature that is lowerthan the glass transition temperature, the body has an original shape.When the body is heated to a second temperature that is higher than theglass transition temperature, the body is deformable from the originalshape to a first shape and when the body is cooled to a thirdtemperature that is lower than the glass transition temperature, thefirst shape is maintained. The body is configured to transition from thefirst shape to the original shape when the body is heated from the thirdtemperature to a fourth temperature that is higher than the glasstransition temperature.

While several inventive examples have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive examples describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive examples described herein. It is, therefore,to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way ofexample only and that, within the scope of the appended claims andequivalents thereto, inventive examples may be practiced otherwise thanas specifically described and claimed. Inventive examples of the presentdisclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article,material, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combinationof two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, and/ormethods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methodsare not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope ofthe present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable device, comprising: a body comprisingone or more embedded electronic components, the body comprising athermoset material having a polymeric backbone comprising at least oneurethane linkage, the thermoset material having a glass transitiontemperature, wherein at a first temperature that is lower than the glasstransition temperature, the body has an original shape; wherein when thebody is heated to a second temperature that is higher than the glasstransition temperature, the body is deformable from the original shapeto a first shape and when the body is cooled to a third temperature thatis lower than the glass transition temperature, the first shape ismaintained; and wherein the body is configured to transition from thefirst shape to the original shape when the body is heated from the thirdtemperature to a fourth temperature that is higher than the glasstransition temperature.
 2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein thethermoset material comprises a reaction product of a polyol component,an isocyanate component, a crosslinker, and a catalyst to polymerize theisocyanate and polyol components.
 3. The wearable device of claim 2,wherein the thermoset material further comprises a conductive orphotothermal additive and a resistive heating element configured to heatthe body to the second and fourth temperatures that are above the glasstransition temperature.
 4. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein theone or more embedded electronic components comprise an electrode sensorto pick up biosignals.
 5. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein thebody is heated with a heating pad, light, or water.
 6. The wearabledevice of claim 2, wherein the polyol component comprises amultifunctional polyether and a polyether diol or a multifunctionalpolyester and a polyether diol.
 7. The wearable device of claim 1,wherein the thermoset material is potted in a soft coating to improvecomfort.
 8. A wearable device, comprising: a body comprising one or moreembedded electronic components, the body comprising a thermoset materialcontaining a reaction product of a polyol component and an isocyanatecomponent, the thermoset material having a glass transition temperature,wherein at a first temperature that is lower than the glass transitiontemperature, the body has an original shape; wherein when the body isheated to a second temperature that is higher than the glass transitiontemperature, the body is deformable from the original shape to a firstshape and when the body is cooled to a third temperature that is lowerthan the glass transition temperature, the first shape is maintained;and wherein the body is configured to transition from the first shape tothe original shape when the body is heated from the third temperature toa fourth temperature that is higher than the glass transitiontemperature.
 9. The wearable device of claim 8, wherein the polyolcomponent consists of a multifunctional polyether.
 10. The wearabledevice of claim 8, wherein the polyol component comprises amultifunctional polyether and a polyether diol.
 11. The wearable deviceof claim 10, wherein the polyol component comprises 50% of the polyetherdiol and 50% of the multifunctional polyether.
 12. The wearable deviceof claim 10, wherein the polyol component comprises more of themultifunctional polyether than the polyether diol.
 13. The wearabledevice of claim 8, wherein the polyol component comprises amultifunctional polyester and a polyether diol.
 14. The wearable deviceof claim 13, wherein the polyol component comprises more of themultifunctional polyester than the polyether diol.
 15. The wearabledevice of claim 8, wherein the thermoset material is potted in a softcoating to improve comfort.
 16. The wearable device of claim 8, whereinthe one or more embedded electronic components comprise an electrodesensor to pick up biosignals.
 17. The wearable device of claim 16,further comprising a resistive heating element configured to heat thebody to the second and fourth temperatures that are above the glasstransition temperature.
 18. An earpiece, comprising: an acoustic driverfor transducing received audio signals to acoustic energy; a bodycomprising a thermoset material containing a reaction product of apolyol component and an isocyanate component, the thermoset materialhaving a glass transition temperature, wherein at a first temperaturethat is lower than the glass transition temperature, the body has anoriginal shape; wherein when the body is heated to a second temperaturethat is higher than the glass transition temperature, the body isdeformable from the original shape to a first shape and when the body iscooled to a third temperature that is lower than the glass transitiontemperature, the first shape is maintained; and wherein the body isconfigured to transition from the first shape to the original shape whenthe body is heated from the third temperature to a fourth temperaturethat is higher than the glass transition temperature.
 19. The earpieceof claim 18, wherein the earpiece is an in-ear earpiece configured tofit inside a user's ear.
 20. The earpiece of claim 18, wherein theearpiece is an around-the-ear earpiece configured to be positioned on auser's ear.